A quiet Monday evening in south Minneapolis turned chaotic when a back-porch fire tore through a two-story apartment building, forcing 13 residents out into the cold and leaving part of the structure uninhabitable. All of the tenants had evacuated before firefighters arrived, and one woman was treated on scene for minor injuries.
What officials say
According to KSTP, Minneapolis Fire Department crews were dispatched shortly before 5:30 p.m. to the 2700 block of 27th Avenue South near East 29th Street after reports that a back porch was on fire. Firefighters arrived to find flames on multiple sides of the two-story building and managed to contain the blaze before it spread into occupied units. A nearby garage also briefly caught fire and was quickly put out.
The fire displaced nine adults and four children. The American Red Cross is assisting the residents, and the fire department says the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
A pattern this winter
This porch fire is the latest in a string of winter apartment blazes that have pushed Minneapolis families out of their homes. A February report detailing how a blaze displaced nearly two dozen residents highlighted a troubling run of fires on the city's south side.
Help for displaced residents
Families displaced by fires are typically supported by the American Red Cross, which provides temporary shelter, meals, and casework. Residents seeking assistance can call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or check the local Red Cross page for Minnesota and the Dakotas for updates and shelter information.
Fire officials also urge residents to test smoke alarms regularly, practice home escape plans, and avoid leaving flammable items on porches or near exits, especially during the colder months when space heaters and extension cords get more use.
